Gel manicure safety questioned

March 7, 2013 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- New research is raising more questions about the safety of gel manicures.

A dermatologist at NYU is joining previous studies that found the UV lamp used to set the nails can actually increase the risk of skin cancer.

Gel manicures are popular because the method prevents nails from chipping.

Polymers in the nail polish harden when exposed to ultraviolet light. It is the same UV light that is used in tanning beds that have been linked to skin cancer.

The dermatologist isn't telling women to stop getting gel manicures. Instead, he suggests doing it in moderation and hands should be protected by using fingerless gloves under the lamps.

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healthbeat, sylvia perez

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